You don’t have to drive to the mountains to enjoy this winery

Q: We are looking to venture out for wine tastings, but don’t want to be gone an entire day. Is there anything around that will keep us close to metro Atlanta area?

A: There is a small winery about an hour north of Mari- etta in Cherokee County you should consider.

The Feather’s Edge Vine- yards in Ball Ground sits on 24 acres, with five acres of grapes, owned by artists David and Julie Boone. They are the closest winery to the mountains, according to the couple.

Adjacent to the winery is their art gallery Wild Cat on a Wing, which opened 20 years ago. But about two years ago, they decided to open their wine tasting room to the public.

“We were trying to figure out how to make a profit off our property,” Julie said. “We visited several wineries and thought it would be a good enhancement to the gallery.”

David’s love of birds and the couple’s enthusiasm for growing things led them to their latest venture.

The atmosphere is casual and relaxed. There is a tasting room, a seating area with fire pits overlooking an amphitheater where live music is showcased on week- ends.

On a recent Sunday, cou- ples tasted various wines, enjoying the streamed music. On the deck next to the wine bar was their cat, Miss Wild- cat, curled up in the corner.

Before opening the gallery in known the mid-1980s, for his handmade David was birdhouses created out of wood, glass and copper. “In one year, I made 4,500 birdhouses,” he said.

His production of the houses ruined his shoulder. David estimated he made more than 60,000 in his career. His favorite bird is the Tufted Titmouse.

The Boones, who have been married 34 years, used that journey as a springboard into starting their gallery in 1996.

About nine years ago, they planted 300 vines, with seven varieties of grapes, he said.

“First we were winging it, and now we are going from the wing to the feathers,” David told Cherokee Life in 2017. “Wineries are things you start, but never finish. But we don’t mind waiting to see the results.”

Check the website for upcoming weekend events. Wines are available by a tasting, glass or bottle, along with fruit and cheese plates (seasonal).

The winery is about 1.8 miles off of Interstate 575 (10061 Ball Ground Highway, Ball Ground 30107).

Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, 12:30 to 5 p.m.

Covered back deck of Feather’s Edge Winery in Cherokee County, owned by David and Julie Boone.